Christmas 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008

We were up bright and early on Christmas Eve as we made the drive to Linn & Lynn Ford who are staying at Koreshan State Park. They had graciously invited us to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with their family in Estero, FL just south of Fort Meyers. They were aware of just how much we missed family and friends during this time of the year, and bless their hearts, they gave us the gift of a family Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve at their son and his family's church enjoying music, participating in communion and listening to an inspiring message. After church we returned to Mike & Linda's (their son & his wife) home for a dinner prepared by Linn. The next morning we were off again to Mike, Linda & their two grandchildren's home to spend the day doing all the things "Christmas", there were children laughing, presents to open, delicious food to eat, games to play, desserts to enjoy, more family to meet and joys to share. Their family welcomed us with open arms and made us feel as if we were "family". What memorable day we had and although we very much missed our families and friends in the NW, it soften our sadness. God Bless good friends!!

Pre-Christmas Fun

Christmas will be here soon so we have decorated, bought and sent presents to family back home and now the fun begins.

We held a pre-Christmas "Open Motor Home" or gathering as I like to call it ;) Food, wine, laughs and friends make for a great time!

Frank, Jim, Elinore, Dave & Diane enjoy the food.

Cheers to Diane!

Dianne got into a baking mood and made lots of cookies, which of course went home with friends. Thank goodness, it's good to bake 'em but not for us to eat 'em!

Elinore invites us over after going to Webster Flea Market to enjoy more pre-Christmas

appetizers and sweets.


One evening at the Thousand Trails park we are staying at there was a "golf cart" Christmas parade. There are all decked out with lights and decorations--what a sight.

Friends of the Mouse's scavenger hunt at Disney

Friends of the Mouse BOF met early Wednesday morning at Big River Grille on the Boardwalk at Disney. Art & Beth Ramos had an adventure for us--a scavenger hunt. We were to follow the clues and go to the 5 hotels that surround the Boardwalk and find the answers. We had 2 hours and then we were to return the restaurant with answers in hand.

The Gruelle's, Barry's & Fisher/Bakers decided to team up and crack the code! Elinore and Dianne studied the clues and the girls began the search. At the end of the scavenger hunt we were rewarded with a big win and door prices for each of us--we got all answers right, even the tie breakers. Way to go Boomers.

After the lunch the Barry's, Fisher/Bakers and Gruelle's toured several of the on property resorts to check out the decorations. Each resorts has its own theme and the were beautiful decorated. We were there until early evening, so by the end of the day we were exhausted, but thoroughly entertained by Disney's magic.

ICE at Gaylord Palms Resort

Gaylord Palms Resort is known for its unique & incredible ICE show. These are the most amazing ice carvings we've ever seen. The holiday attraction is hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice that creates an 18,000 sq. ft winter wonderland. It is larger-than-life, 3-dimensional ice sculptures carved by a team of artists flown in from China each year. Enormous ice monuments cooled in a sub-freezing 9 degree rooms each with a different winter display including the nativity and a room full of slides for adults and children to slide down. There were even ice tunnels going between the rooms. The resort provides us visitors with oversize aqua blue winter coats and hot chocolate at the end of our experience. Boy was it cold in there. Jim Baker & Diane Fisher, Brent & Diane Roulier, Elinore & Dave Barry joined us and we all really enjoyed in this delightful event.

Mini-Rang at the Fisher/Bakers

Jim Baker & Diane Fisher invited Boomers in the area to join the for a Boomer Mini-Rang. After our happy hour we all headed over to our favorite restaurant, Manny's Chophouse.

In attendance Dave & Donna , Cynthia, Jim & Diane, Bill & Barbara and us.


Cynthia and Dianne share the 2 for 1 wine offered at Happy Hour.

Dinner with Bob & Nancy Colber

We spent the day in Punta Gorda and Bob & Nancy Colbert invited us over to their "pad" in Alligator RV park to socialize and have dinner. And what a great dinner it was--grilled Tuna--Yum! Yum!

Thanksgiving Pow Wow Boomerang

The word was sent out via the Internet on the BBB (Boomer Bulletin Board). A East Coast Thanksgiving Boomerang would be happening at Chamber Farms during a Pow Wow that is held there each year. All Boomers in the Florida area were invited to attend. The call was answered by many and plans were made. Brent & Diane Roulier, Elinore & Dave Barry, Jim Baker & Diane Fisher and us gathered early Monday afternoon and caravaned to the farm together. We were greeted by Lee & Edie Solomon who had prepared for our arrival--Boomerville sign and all. There was plenty of dry camping available and a Thanksgiving Dinner was provided by the native Indian participants on Thanksgiving day. The music, dancing, drumming and storytelling went on for 5 days, day and night and we were all invited to not only watch but to participate and several did.


Happy hours, potlucks, boomer activities and even a pancake breakfast provided by our host Cynthia rounded out the week. One day several of us hike to the bottom the sinkhole at Devils Millhopper State Park.

Boomer Hikers: John & Marilynn Bentz, Jim Baker & Diane Fisher, Brent & Diane Roulier, Lee & Edie Solomon & us.

Kissimmee Classic Car Show

This is Linda & Lynn Ford with their beautiful "Show Car' which they tow behind their motorhome. We love their car, and Frank had the privilege of applying the blue paint to the car. We all attended the Classic Car show on Friday.

Frank stands in front of one of the many, many cars participating this night.

Disneyworld Here We Come

Well, we might not have been able to work for the mouse, but thank goodness for friends who do. John & Betsy Crawford got us and Jim Baker & Diane Fisher, in to Disneyworld for a few days. This is all of us in front of EPCOT ready for a big day at the parks.

Animal Kingdom is an amazing place. We saw so many animals, giraffes, elephants, lions and many more.

In Hollywood Studios, formally MGM Studios, we saw stunt shows, rode rides, and watched parades. Adults at Disney without kids, makes for a very relaxed visit, that translates in a fun time for all! Thanks Betsy & John.

We Have Lift Off

A night time lift off was scheduled for the Endeavor Shuttle and its seven astronauts, so we and Boomer friends, Jim Baker & Diane Baker, wanted to be there to see it in all its glory. We left early in the morning so we could spend the day touring the NASA Kennedy Space Center. And tour we did--for 6 hours we walked, rode buses, viewed and listened to all that NASA had to offer the 4 of us. My goodness but there's a lot to see, this complex in huge.

Finally we all grew weary of touring and retreated to our earlier pre-arranged folding chairs, in perfect view of the 8:55 pm scheduled lift-off.

The ground rumbled, the skies lit up like daylight, and the Endeavor with its cargo soared into space, as the crowds let out a high decibel cheer. Up, up and away, until only a faint glimmer remained. We were thrilled, we where in awe, we were glad we were there.

Of course that was before we tried to drive home, only to caught in a massive traffic jam--hours and hours. We ended up not getting home until way past midnight. Oh well, it was a magnificent sight and day was good.

Manny's Chophouse is a Winner

Not long after we arrived in Florida we accidentally discovered one of the most popular restaurants in our local area, Manny's Chophouse. The the menu has lots of choices, although they are known for their steaks. We also have found the stuff grouper with the baked sweet potato to be one of favorites. Your meal is served with an endless salad bowl dressed with their homemade dressing and hot yeast rolls--all excellent!! On Wednesday they have 2 for 1 fajita for $9.99, we ate one and took the other one home. One of our favorite things is that every night happy hour is 4-7 with 2 for 1 drinks. It opens at 4 PM but people are lining up by 3:30 and the wait only gets longer as it gets later.


Jim Baker & Diane Fisher joined us this night.

Jim is "hosting"--nice care Jim.

Manny's walls and ceilings are covered with road signs, old memoribilla, traffic signals and more than one can name.

Cruise on the Eurodam

We took a vacation for a little R & R and set sail October 25, for a 7 day cruise on Holland's newest ship the Eurodam. We joined Elinore & Dave Barry and their friends on this trip to the Caribbean. We visited the ports of St. Thomas, Grand Turk, San Juan and Holland's own private island. The entertainment was great, the food even better, a Holloween nght we'll never forget, but the company made the trip!

Cypress Gardens

Cypress Gardens is a vast sea of beautiful flowers, jungle-like trees, meandering pathways, colorful birds, and quiet canals. There were thrill rides, entertainment and the fabulous Cypress Garden Water Ski Show and we enjoyed it all. At the end of the day we were happy but our tootsies were worn out!